As one of the longest standing and most recognizable automobile manufacturers in the world, Ford has been in business since 1903. Ford is known for their innovation in manufacturing, and introduced new methods for larger-scale manufacturing processes and assembly lines in the mid-1900s that changed the way vehicles were made.
Keeping in line with that innovative mindset, the huge U.S. based automaker has committed to an impressive electrification strategy that includes a comprehensive plan for transitioning most of their iconic models to electric versions. The company has already introduced several electric vehicles (EVs) including the Mustang Mach-E, Ford Focus EV, and Ford Explorer Hybrid.
In May of 2021, Ford unveiled plans for an all-electric version of arguably the most popular vehicle of all time, the F-150 pickup. Dubbed the Ford F-150 Lightning, the EV pickup promises to be popular as well, so much so that the 2022 model of the truck has already seen Ford stop taking orders due to high demand.
Let’s take a closer look at why you can no longer order the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning!
What Makes The F-150 Lightning So Special?
The Lightning is the newest iteration of a long-standing and loved staple of American pickup heritage as the fourteenth generation of the Ford F-Series and, as such, has been highly anticipated. Four trim levels have been announced for the Lightning: Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum.
The Pro trim is the base trim for the pickup and is comparable to the regular (gas-powered) F-150’s XL trim package. With vinyl trimmed interior and flooring, dual heated front bucket seats, and a heated leather wrapped steering wheel. The twelve-inch Ford SYNC 4A touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes equipped with SiriusXM Radio and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system is connected to an eight-speaker Bang and Olufsen amplified audio system.
Upgrading on that package, the XLT has cloth seats, carpeted floor, a centered LED light part positioned above the front grille, and integrated side steps. The Lariat trim focuses on luxury with leather trimmed seats and a larger 15.5-inch infotainment screen. The Platinum trim is the most expensive and highest-luxury level trim for the Lightning and has a higher capacity battery, upgraded grille, twenty-two-inch all-season tires, the Ford BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving mode, twin-panel moon roof, eighteen speakers in the sound system, and both tow technology and max trailer tow packages.
All models have been introduced with dual motors with the base package supporting up to 452 horsepower, 230-mile range, and a 2000 LB payload. The more high-end trims on the Lightning can get up to 580 horsepower with a 300-mile range and a towing capability of up to 10,000 LBS. All trims are capable of 775 ft-lb of torque, independent rear suspension, full time four-wheel drive, and will initially be offered in crew-cab with a 5.5-foot bed.
Similar to other EVs on the market, the Lightning will be able to receive real-time over-air software updates that can upgrade the truck’s internal systems and diagnose potential issues. Additionally, the F-150 EV will come standard with many advanced safety features and options that can allow for limited hands-off driving (although not fully autonomous driving).
With the ability through the optional “Ford Intelligent Backup Power System” onboard generator that makes claims to be capable of powering a home during power outages and four Pro Power Onboard 120V outlets, the Lightning can be more than just an everyday vehicle and is ideal for those preparing for the unexpected or looking for a great and comfortable camping truck. Alongside the 14.1 cubic feet of additional cargo storage, Ford makes it easy to pack up your gear and charge it, too.
Options For Getting Your Hands On A 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
With all of these appealing aspects to the Lightning and the fact that Ford had initially planned to produce 40,000 per year, it makes sense that when Ford accumulated 200,000 reservations for the 2022 model year, they closed ordering for it. Although high demand has seen the 2022 model gone in a flash, Ford is working on solutions that will hopefully allow future model years to be produced quicker and in higher numbers.
In addition to petitioning the government for assistance in overcoming supply-chain issues faced by EVs, Ford has expanded their existing Rouge manufacturing complex to allow for more pickups to be completed per year. They have also announced plans to open an EV production complex in Tennessee that they hope to see open and running by 2024.
To get your hands on an F-150 Lightning, you have a few options now. You can hope to find one of the canceled orders or dealer-ordered pickups on a lot later in the year. However, you may risk paying a markup in exchange for the truck, and it is not a likely scenario due to the large number of pre-orders and the fact that Ford is anticipating delivery of the 2022 model well into 2023. Additionally, although you can no longer order through Ford’s site, the original MSRP for the trims were $41,669 for the Pro, $54,669 for the XLT, and over $90,000 for the Lariat and Platinum iterations, so adding a markup onto those prices might not be plausible for all potential customers.
The other option for owning the Lightning is that you can wait for next year’s iteration and hope that Ford comes through with their plans to ramp up production (or be quick to the site when they announce pre-orders for next year’s model). The downside to this option is that you’ll likely be waiting well into 2024 for your truck, but the upside is that any upgrades to the new model that occur between now and then will be to your benefit.
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